Princess Anne gives stern instruction before iconic royal duty and her no-nonsense approach is so her
Princess Anne's dry sense of humour shone through as she delivered stern instructions about preventing 'vandalism' at a special engagement
Princess Anne delivered stern instructions before undertaking an iconic royal duty and her no-nonsense approach is so *her*.
Princess Anne is famously never afraid to share what she thinks and this approach to life isn’t limited to behind palace doors. Throughout the years fans have been treated to some iconic responses from the Princess Royal and she certainly didn’t disappoint at a recent engagement. The King’s sister visited Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre on 8th February to commemorate its 35th anniversary. Like all good celebrations this one called for a delicious cake and who better to cut some slices for the attendees than Princess Anne?
However, before she began her royal task she issued some pretty stern instructions. The moment was captured by the Daily Express’s Royal Correspondent Richard Palmer who shared a clip of it on social media.
Buckingham Palace has given representatives of the national press a rare opportunity to cover Princess Anne at one of her official engagements today. At Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre she read instructions for everyone to eat the cake if she cut it. Who was going to argue with her? pic.twitter.com/EtTgltWBLJFebruary 8, 2024
He revealed that Buckingham Palace had given members of the national press the chance to cover Princess Anne’s visit to the Pony Centre. Readying herself to cut the cake Princess Anne, who is Vice Patron of the British Horse Society, held the knife and addressed everyone.
“I hope you’ve all had a chance to see this cake because it really is stunning,” she declared, before later adding, “But the instructions are that you will eat it if I cut it.”
Amid an outbreak of laughter from those around her, the Princess Royal continued to showcase her dry sense of humour as she reflected that it would be a kind of unwarranted “vandalism” if they were to ignore her express instructions.
“Otherwise it’s just legalised vandalism,” she said, “OK? Good, enjoy the cake!”
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
The Princess Royal: From Princess Mary to Princess Anne by Helen Cathcart | £11.99 at Amazon
Focusing on the role of Princess Royal throughout history, this insightful book explores the life of Princess Anne who is only the seventh royal to hold this prestigious title. Helen Cathcart delves into Princess Anne's life, from her childhood to her time as a champion rider and her commitment to her royal duties.
Princess Anne’s hilarious instructions to avoid “legalised vandalism” are brilliant and the reaction of those around her showed it went down well in person too. The Princess Royal is known for her witty quips and this particular moment might well remind some fans of another equally hilarious cake-cutting moment with her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.
In 2021 Queen Elizabeth, the now-Queen Camilla and now-Princess of Wales attended the Eden Project's ‘The Big Lunch’ initiative where Her Majesty was presented with an impressive cake. She was given a sword to cut it with by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and then said briefly, “I don’t think this is going to work.”
An aide then informed the Queen that there was a knife ready for her use instead, to which Queen Elizabeth hilariously responded, “I know there is, but this is something that is more unusual”.
The reaction delighted everyone there and she did cut through the cake with the sword - with a little assistance from Queen Camilla. It seems bringing a sense of humour to cake cutting is something that Princess Anne has in common with Queen Elizabeth.
As Richard Palmer put it in his post, “Who was going to argue with her?” after Princess Anne gave her instructions. This hilarious moment will likely become just as iconic as many of her other witty reactions and it's definitely one of our favourite royal cake-cutting moments.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Princess Charlotte's favourite joke proves she has a cheeky sense of humour
Prince William shared his daughter's favourite joke during his latest royal outing - and it's a classic
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Princess Beatrice's majorly bold frock is the epitome of spring sophistication - and follows her Granny's fashion rule
Princess Beatrice's floral dress is a fabulous way to wear the season's most popular pattern and the late Queen likely would've approved
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
This Longchamp tote lookalike that's just like Kate Middleton and Princess Anne's favourite is a bargain buy that'll serve you all year round
The Princess of Wales and Princess Anne are huge fans of the classic Longchamp Le Pliage and this timeless alternative is so affordable
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne’s flower power dress and voluminous up-do combination proves you should never be afraid of going bold
Princess Anne went all-out for a special evening event in 1973 with a vibrant floral gown and a glamorous updo
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What happened to Jim Beaton and was Princess Anne really almost kidnapped? Former protection officer speaks out 50 years on
You might be wondering what happened to Jim Beaton as Princess Anne's former protection officer reflects upon a terrifying royal incident
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne putting royal duties first following King's cancer diagnosis as she misses special occasion
Princess Anne has showcased her commitment to her duties as she missed out on a special personal occasion to undertake a royal tour
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Forget Princess Anne's Longchamp, it's her timeless brown leather satchel we're shopping right now
Princess Anne's leather satchel might be our new favourite bag of hers as she proved pared-back design and neutral colours are the way to go
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Does Princess Anne have security? The huge privilege she's denied as Princess Royal - but William and Kate have
Princess Anne is denied a security privilege that the Prince and Princess of Wales have - despite being such a prominent senior royal
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 times Princess Anne was everyone's hero - from making history to hilarious, no-nonsense quotes
The Princess Royal is one of the hardest working (and most popular) members of the Royal Family - and these moments prove why
By Jack Slater Published
-
Princess Anne's favourite mac and trench coat hybrid is an outdoor staple all year round
Princess Anne’s mac and trench coat hybrid has been a favourite of hers for a while now
By Emma Shacklock Published